25 February 2024
StandWithUs UK, in collaboration with the Jewish Chronicle, hosted a landmark event on Sunday, 25th February, at South Hampstead Synagogue featuring Dr. Einat Wilf in conversation with esteemed journalist and JC Editor Jake Wallis Simons. The exclusive engagement was a sold-out success, drawing a crowd of over 200 supporters.
Since 7th October, StandWithUs UK has seen an unprecedented 400% increase in demand for the charity’s resources compared to this time last year. Of the 12,000 people reached, 7,000 were students and pupils.
Dr. Einat Wilf, a former member of the Israeli Knesset and advisor to Shimon Peres, took the stage alongside Jake Wallis Simons, Associate Global Editor at the Jewish Chronicle. Their conversation illuminated pressing issues such as the ongoing war, imminent security threats, and the multifaceted challenges that have emerged for the Jewish community in current times. Most poignantly was Wilf’s reflection in, “I always argue that Israel is a democracy not in spite of it being Jewish but because it's Jewish.”
Dr. Wilf and Mr. Simons shared her expertise on geopolitical affairs, offering nuanced perspectives on the intricacies of conflict and diplomacy. Their discourse also extended to provide actionable advice for the community, empowering individuals with the knowledge and strategies for resilience and proactive engagement in these uncertain times.
This critical conversation marked one of the many expert sessions hosted by the Herzl Club; an initiative of StandWithUs UK, dedicated to enhancing understanding and support for Israel and Jewish communities worldwide through education and advocacy. By bringing together leaders, journalists, and key figures respected in their fields, StandWithUs UK aims to foster a platform for informed discussion and empowered action.
Upon reflecting on the success of the event, Devora Stoll, StandWithUs UK’s Director of Strategic Partnerships said, “Last night's event was a profound demonstration of our commitment to empower communities through education. The immense support we received only strengthens our resolve to combat antisemitism and misinformation targeted against Israel”.
About StandWithUs UK:
StandWithUs is an international, non-profit and non-partisan Israel education organisation that works to inspire and educate people of all ages about Israel, as well as challenge misinformation and fight against antisemitism. Founded in 2010, StandWithUs UK has become a recognised support system and leading resource for students on UK campuses. We empower and energise students and communities with leadership training and educational programmes on both school and university campuses. StandWithUs informs through social media, printed materials, digital platforms, film and newsletters. The StandWithUs flagship Emerson Fellowship programme seeks to raise students into future leaders, equipped to stand strong in the face of antisemitism and anti-Zionism. We believe in the right of the Jewish People to self-determination in their historic homeland of Israel. We educate the facts in an unbiased and holistic manner, with an open mind, reflecting on views from all sides of the political, social and humanitarian spectrum whilst promoting peace. StandWithUs UK believe the current discourse surrounding Israel on campus all too often crosses the line between legitimate criticism of Israel’s policies and the dangerous, mainstream, antisemitic rhetoric which stands contrary to the IHRA definition of antisemitism. We work to educate on that distinction, encourage civil discourse on legitimate criticism of Israel, and to fight antisemitism wherever it emerges.
